UN probes ICC’s Karim Khan over retaliation claims amid sexual misconduct scandal
By isabelle // 2025-04-05
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  • UN investigates ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan for alleged retaliation against staff who reported his sexual misconduct.
  • Khan denies the allegations, calling them a misinformation campaign linked to his high-profile cases.
  • Probe expands to examine claims of demotions and harassment against whistleblowers.
  • Khan’s aggressive ICC prosecutions (Netanyahu, Putin) have drawn sanctions and political backlash.
  • Human rights groups warn of conflict of interest in the UN-led investigation due to Khan’s wife’s past role.
The United Nations has widened its investigation into International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, examining claims he retaliated against at least four staff members who reported allegations of his sexual misconduct. Khan, who has spearheaded explosive investigations into the Israel-Gaza war and Russia’s actions in Ukraine, has dismissed the allegations as part of a “misinformation campaign.” But sources say the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) is now scrutinizing whether Khan demoted employees who raised concerns about his behavior. The scandal unfolds as Khan’s office remains embroiled in high-stakes cases that have drawn sanctions from the U.S. and fierce criticism from global powers.

Allegations of retaliation and denials

According to Reuters, the UN probe initially focused on claims that Khan sexually harassed a female subordinate but has since expanded to include reports that he marginalized colleagues who exposed or questioned his conduct. Staff members allege they faced demotions and other retaliatory measures after speaking up — a charge Khan’s legal team vehemently denies. “He has not engaged in sexual misconduct of any kind and nor, to be clear, has he engaged in any ‘retaliatory behavior’ as alleged,” Khan’s lawyers stated. They also emphasized his intent to cooperate “fully and transparently” with the investigation. However, three sources familiar with the UN inquiry told Reuters the probe remains active, with witnesses citing concerns over possible reprisals for their testimony. Khan has dismissed the timing of the allegations as suspicious, linking them to his pursuit of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The move prompted U.S. sanctions against Khan in February, freezing his American assets and banning his entry to the country.

A prosecutor under fire

The ICC, tasked with prosecuting war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, has long faced resistance from major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China, which reject its jurisdiction. But Khan’s tenure has been particularly contentious, marked by aggressive indictments against global figures — including Russian President Vladimir Putin — and accusations of political bias. Some observers suggest the misconduct allegations could be weaponized by Khan’s adversaries. Yet critics argue the UN investigation raises legitimate concerns about workplace culture at the court. A 2020 internal review found widespread fear among staff reporting misconduct, and a 2024 survey revealed 30% of employees experienced harassment or discrimination in the past year. Complicating the probe is the selection of the UN’s OIOS to lead it — an agency where Khan’s wife previously worked. Human rights groups, including the International Federation for Human Rights, warned of potential conflicts of interest and called for Khan’s suspension during the inquiry. UN officials have not publicly addressed these concerns. Khan’s defenders argue the allegations are an attempt to derail his high-profile cases and tarnish his reputation, but others insist accountability is overdue and that there is a pattern of protecting senior officials. As the UN inquiry progresses, Khan’s legacy hangs in the balance. The outcome could either bolster claims of a smear campaign or confirm systemic issues within one of the world’s most scrutinized legal institutions. For now, the ICC continues its divisive prosecutions, even as its top prosecutor fights allegations that threaten to overshadow its mission. Sources for this article include: RT.com Reuters.com APNews.com
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